Family Lutjanidae, Snappers
Ocyurus chrysurus

Description: back and upper sides olive to bluish with yellow spots; lower sides and belly with alternating narrow, longitudinal pink and yellow stripes; prominent midlateral yellow stripe begins at mouth and runs to tail, broadening as it passes the dorsal fins; caudal fin yellow and deeply forked; no dark lateral spot.

Similar Fish: none.

Where found: juveniles inshore on grassbeds and back reefs; adults nearshore or offshore over sandy areas near reefs.

Size: common to 3 pounds.

Note: found mainly in tropical waters; spawns in midsummer; rarely exceeds 30 inches and 5 pounds in size; feeds on small fish and invertebrates. Not a huge population here.